Cruise the Sunderbans in luxury for 3 nights brought to you by Palace Tours

Sunderbans Cruise Adventure - Downstream (3 Nights / 4 Days)

Feast your eyes on the Sunderbans' beautiful beaches, rivers, villages, forests and numerous creeks and islands rich in flora and fauna. Cruise in luxury for 4 days on the River Cruiser M.V. Paramhamsa, the only one of its kind in Eastern India, on a journey through the wonderful world of wildlife and the fabulous culture and traditions of rural Bengal.

Itinerary :

Day 1 - Board M.V. Paramhamsa to start your adventure

Cities Covered : Calcutta / Kolkata , Sundarbans National Park

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal and was capital of British India until 1912. The urban agglomeration of Kolkata covers several municipal corporations, municipalities, city boards and villages and is the third largest urban agglomeration in India and the seventh largest in the world. Situated on the banks of the Hooghly River (a distributary of the Ganges), Kolkata was arguably second only to London in administrative importance in the British Empire. The city lost its past glory and economic importance in the years following Indian independence. The city is also noted for its revolutionary tradition, from the pre-independence era to the Naxalite movements. Home of luminaries like Rabindranath Tagore, Amartya Sen, Mother Teresa, and Satyajit Ray, the city is often referred to as the "cultural capital of India", while other sobriquets like "the city of processions" and "the city of joy" also adorn Kolkata. Once called a "dying city", Kolkata is now undergoing a process of economic uplift and revival.

The Sundarbans are part of the world’s largest delta formed by the rivers Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna which is spread over 10,000 sq kms and is home for many exquisite animals and birds. The area is a declared national park. Tigers in Sundarbans are known to be seen at a distance of 10 kms, perhaps while hunting fish or stealing honey from the beehives. Though Sundarban tigers are described as man-eaters, specialists say they rarely attack human beings. You can also see estuarine crocodiles and shy jungle cats at the Park. The reptiles found in the forest includes the King Cobra, Rock Python and Water Monitor. The Fleming Red Flowers of Genwa and the crab-like red flower of Khalsi add to the dazzling display of nature.

You are met at the hotel or airport at 8:00 this morning and transferred to the Sunderbans. En route, enjoy welcome drinks and light snacks. Upon arrival at Goath Khali jetty, transfer via small boat to reach your luxury river cruiser M.V. Paramhamsa. Check in to your comfortable cabin and savor a delicious lunch on board. Disembark later this afternoon for a visit to Sudhyankhali watch tower and catch your first glimpse of the dense mangroves and the vast river system with several creeks flowing into the main rivers. Return to the ship for a quiet evening learning about the Sunderbans with Col. Banerjee.

Day 2 - Experience the lifestyle of Sunderbans

Cities Covered : Sundarbans National Park

Early this morning, take an excursion to the traditional Bali Village to interact with the residents and experience their lifestyle. After breakfast at the village, embark on a full-day tour of the Sunderbans. As you traverse the narrow waterways through the dense mangrove forest to Burirdabri and Dobanke, your knowledgeable guide can tell interesting stories about the islands, explain how to spot animals and birds and show you how to differentiate mangrove species. Lunch and tea are served on the creek boat. After sunset, return to the cruiser to experience a performance of Bon Bibi Pala, a traditional mythological folk drama. Spend your evening star gazing from the skydeck as you soak in the serenity and tranquility.

Day 3 - Discover the wildlife of Lothian Island

Cities Covered : Sundarbans National Park

Cruise through the east side of Sunderbans at the Indo-Bangladesh border and visit Nethidopani, a 300-year old temple which offers a great opportunity to view wildlife. Later, walk through the thick mangrove forests on Lothian Island and keep an eye out for the prolific birdlife and wildlife of the area, including the Olive Ridley sea turtle, spotted deer, rhesus macaque and more. After lunch, relax on the beaches of Ganga Sagar, located at the confluence of the River Ganges and the Bay of Bengal. Return to the cruise ship for tonight’s enchanting classical / folk dance performance.

Day 4 - Your cruise journey ends in Kolkata

Cities Covered : Calcutta / Kolkata

Disembark the cruise ship around 11:00 this morning at Kolkata's Millennium Park Jetty.

Travel Tips & FAQ's

What are the passport/visa requirements for travel to India?

A passport with validity at least six months beyond your departure from India is required. Also, visas must be obtained prior to arrival in India. Please note that Palace Tours cannot provide visas. Please visit www.mea.gov.in, click on "Welcome" and then under "MEA Links" at the right, click on "Missions and Posts Abroad" and then click "Consulate Generals". You can then select your appropriate Consulate General office and link directly to its website, where detailed visa information and application forms can be found. Please budget at least 14 days to receive it from the consulate.

What is the best time of year to visit Sunderbans?

September to March. The region has a tropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. Maximum and minimum temperatures during the summer are 42°C and 37°C respectively. In winters, the maximum and minimum temperatures are 29°C and 9.2°C respectively.

What precautions should I take while traveling in Sunderbans?

Drink only purified water provided in the cruise, only consume food that is served in the cruise. Carry sunscreen, a hat, mosquito repellent, and don't forget your camera! Also do not forget to carry your personal medicines if you are on medication.

What kinds of clothing are recommended?

During the winter season (December, January and February) light woolens are required during the night. For the rest of the year, casual cotton outfits would be the most comfortable. Try to wear outfits in neutral colors so as not to startle the animals in Sunderbans. Fully covered shoes with good traction are advisable. There is no official dress code on board the cruise ship.

What onboard facilities does the ship have?

The 4-decked luxury cruiser M.V. Paramhamsa was built in 2006. It has a gym, Ayurvedic massage parlor, steam room, activity room with satellite television, library, art gallery, conference rooms with internet connectivity and fax facilities, fully-stocked bar, sun deck, onboard entertainment and laundry service. There is a terrace coffee shop as well as a kebab corner for delicious snacks outside of mealtimes.

Please describe the rooms on board.

The 32 comfortable rooms of M.V. Paramhamsa are air-conditioned, spacious, are river-facing and possess attached baths for your convenience. The ship has 12 luxury rooms on the first deck and 20 deluxe rooms on the main deck. Luxury rooms measure 5.4m x 3m (approx. 162 sq. ft) while deluxe rooms are slightly smaller at 4.5m x 3m (approx. 135 sq. ft). All rooms are equipped with telephone, ample reading material, tea and coffee maker and even an emergency kit.

What kind of cuisine is served throughout the tour?

The ship's spacious restaurant, The Mangrove, offers a variety of delectable Oriental, continental and Indian dishes. Take your pick from the lunch buffet selections and the mouthwatering seafood section. Vegetarian options are always available, and special requests can be accommodated for; please inform Palace Tours upon booking and please advise upon boarding if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.

What kinds of electrical outlets are there on board?

The ship has 220-240 volt outlets.

What types of onboard cultural entertainment are planned?

The evening programs showcase rural Bengal through various folk songs and cultural activities.

Is it permissible to smoke on board?

Smoking in confined areas is prohibited. You may, however, smoke on the open decks of the vessel.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

Bottled water is provided complimentary throughout your tour, on board and on land excursions. We also recommend brushing your teeth with bottled water.

What is the recommended gratuity?

Tipping is a matter of individual preference. We advise that you do not tip the individual directly for services; separate boxes are kept for such a purpose. As a guideline, a tip of about 2,000 rupees for the 3-night tour would be appropriate.

Can the tour accommodate passengers with special needs?

Yes, if you require a wheelchair, one can be provided (please mention upon booking) and can fit through the passageways on board. If you have a medical condition that might put you at risk, discuss it with your doctor and inform us at the time of booking. And, whenever you travel, check to see what your health insurance covers. We do have some professionals to handle emergency situations and can arrange immediate medical facilities.

What is the recommended currency?

The local currency is the Indian rupee. We recommend that you utilize currency exchange facilities in Kolkata before your tour, as some of the smaller towns may not be able to accommodate an exchange. On board accounts may be settled by major credit card or cash.

1 . Do I need a Visa for India?
All visitors to India need a Visa